Inti Raymi, Sun Festival and Life Celebrations in Cusco

I am in a theater, watching a ballet performance of “Snegurochka”, or a Russian version of Frozen, with all the dancing, music, costumes, decorations and celebrations. Celebrations of spring, new beginnings and Yarilo, Slavic Sun God. All of a sudden it feels somehow familiar to me. Have I seen and experienced something similar before? A more modern and positive version of it? Where everyone is alive and healthy?

For centuries, and, probably, since the beginning of humanity, Sun has been worshipped and celebrated as the symbol of abundance, prosperity, generosity, warmth and life itself. Across the world and it’s different continents, cultures and civilizations. Still evident and visible today through art, culture, literature, folklore, customs and traditions. Who knows for sure how many solar-inspired civilizations and cultures were out there to date?

Oh, Sun, what are you?

The warmth, the breath, and Love,

and Life itself…

Just as the Mediterranean Sea is considered to be the cradle of Europe, North Africa and Middle East, so is Lake Titicaca in Peru considered by the Incas, the origin of mankind and the origin of the whole Sun civilization. Located between Bolivia and Peru, this is one of the deepest and largest high-altitude lakes in the world, and one of the most important and sacred places for the whole Sun civilization.

According to the legend, this is where a new world was created by the God Viracocha. And then the Sun, the Moon, Gods, and People, and a whole new Universe. It is from here that it’s First People, or the “Inca Adam and Eve”, traveled to Cusco to establish a new city, and it was the capital of the Inca civilization ever since. It’s importance is also reflected in the name of the city, Qosqo meaning “center or bellybutton” in Quechua.

Cusco in June is a remarkable experience with weeks of festivities and celebrations that culminate on Inti Raymi. The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, was a ceremony of the Inca Empire in honor of Inti, or Sun God, to greet the Sun and all the abundance and prosperity it is associated with. After the Spaniards’ arrival to Peru this festival, local language and traditions were banned for centuries, however celebrated clandestinely in order to preserve their culture.

Nowadays, this is a magnificent cultural festival, celebrated every year on June 24th, after a winter solstice, and carries on it’s remarkable heritage and traditions, dating back as far as 1430 AD. During this period the whole city seems to be living and breathing the festivities, with music, singing, dancing, costumes and parades, starting days and even weeks prior to the festival itself. And many people, over 800 dancers, actors and musicians, as well as many locals and travelers from all over the world participating in celebrations.

On the day of Inti Raymi travelers and locals gather early in the morning at Avenida del Sol, overlooking the Sun Temple, to get better seats, enjoy panoramic area views, and experience one of the most colorful Sun festivals in the world

And it seems quite popular among locals and international travelers who arrive in Cusco from all over the world to experience this ancient Inca festival

Inti Raymi begins with celebratory processions and arrival of the Royal entourage, all dressed to impress ))

And this is where Sun Celebrations begin… Qorikancha, Intiwasa or Temple of the Sun, the most important and prominent temple, dedicated to the Sun God Inti and one the holiest places for the whole Inca civilization

It is also the site of Saint Dominic church, and the place where both belief systems unite and complement each other, at least nowadays. And you can ask locals in Cusco about the Spaniards 🙂

From there it continues in Main Plaza, or Plaza de Armas, with more celebrations, processions, music and dancing

Travel note: one of the best ways to experience all the festivities in this location is definitely from one of the cafes and restaurants overlooking the Plaza: live entertainment, panoramic views, fun company and a proper meal guaranteed!

And this is Inca Princess and her entourage, adorned with corn and

different varieties of potatoes Peru is known for

And, of course, Royal Inca and his entourage processions

From balconies the distinction is clearly visible between all the dancers, musicians and performers, and a rather “blandly” dressed audience, especially with all these bright colors ))

The final part of the celebrations moves to a different location and culminates at Sacsayhuaman, an ancient Inca fortress, overlooking the city

and it is the most impressive and elaborate part of Inti Raymi, or more exactly a modern version of it, with reenactments of ancient Inca rituals, still performed in ancient Quechua language

Travel note: for those interested and planing Peru travels, this is a panoramic view from the audience in the hills, next to the official video operator. You are free to roam around for better views and stretch your legs, as the Sun Festival takes the whole day, and who wants to stand in the same place for hours? ))

Ancient rituals of sacrificing animals and children are a thing of the past, at least this is what we were told… And yes, the llama is alive and healthy!